Mazda announces new technologies

Mazda has announced three new technology developments nearing completion in Japan: its Smart Idle Stop System (SISS), new-generation 2.2-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine and its new plastic molding technology. The new SISS which will be introduced in Europe in the first half of 2009, starts about twice as fast as competitor systems, and is said to deliver a smoother restart and 9% improvement in fuel consumption. Also due in Europe early next year is a new-generation 2.2-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine equipped with new ultra-high pressure fuel injectors and a lower compression ratio plus a diesel particulate with a catalyst activation mechanism for fuel efficiency. Dubbed MZR-CD 2.2, the new engine has a displacement of 2.2 liters and a maximum output of 136 kilowatt (KW). It can run for 100 kilometers on 5.6 liters of fuel and was designed to meet Europe’s new Euro 5 emissions standard. Inside the engine is a balance shaft that rotates in the opposite direction from the crankshaft to minimize the vibrations characteristic of diesel engines. Lastly, Mazda has come up with a new plastic molding technology that reduces consumption of plastic resins by 20% to 30% and overall vehicle weight. (September 9/10, 2008)